CVE-2026-64387·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: smb: client: fix query directory replay double-free A response-bearing attempt can return a replayable error and free its response buffer. If SMB2_query_directory_init() fails before the next send, cleanup retains the previous buffer type and frees that response again. Reset response bookkeeping before each attempt to prevent the stale free.
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 7.1.4
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at 0.46% — higher than 37% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2026-64387 scores 9.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at 0.46%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.19
Until: 7.1.4
Fixed in: 7.1.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 7.1.4 or later to resolve a critical memory safety issue in SMB client query directory operations. The vulnerability causes a double-free condition when directory queries are replayed after certain error conditions, potentially leading to kernel crashes or code execution. Prioritize this patch immediately given the CVSS 9.8 severity rating.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your kernel version: uname -r
- Verify if SMB client functionality is enabled: grep -i smb /boot/config-$(uname -r) | grep -E 'CONFIG_SMB_CLIENT|CONFIG_CIFS'
- Search system logs for SMB-related errors or kernel panics: journalctl -u kernel | grep -i 'smb\|cifs\|double.free\|memory'
- Confirm patched version is installed: uname -r should show 7.1.4 or later; if running 6.19-7.1.3, the system is vulnerable
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-64387?
This vulnerability is a double-free memory corruption flaw in the Linux kernel's SMB client implementation. When directory query operations fail and retry, improper cleanup of response buffers leads to a use-after-free condition that can crash the kernel or potentially execute arbitrary code.
Is CVE-2026-64387 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are currently available, though the critical CVSS score warrants immediate patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-64387?
Linux kernel versions 6.19 through 7.1.3 are vulnerable. Version 7.1.4 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-64387?
Run `uname -r` to see your kernel version. If it reports any version from 6.19 to 7.1.3, your system is vulnerable. Additionally verify SMB client is compiled in with `grep CONFIG_CIFS /boot/config-$(uname -r)`.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-64387?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-64387 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/00b0fa425941438b664950a8ee65dfba2def4336
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1665f25b1dea30bf2d02e16245d203a944c9d994
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3317a5d015fca976475aa71df224056777316fde
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3409aedf3c81a810243da94164f6621c9d205c98
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9647492b5e41954be59d5157eddbcd4cdc1656f7
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